Left tackle still a work in progress for Colts but Frank Reich says Matt Pryor is the starter

Left tackle is still a position of uncertainty for the Indianapolis Colts but Frank Reich believes Matt Pryor has proved he’s the current starter.

For the last two years, the Indianapolis Colts have been trying to find an answer at left tackle. Last offseason, Indy signed Eric Fisher in free agency but that didn’t work out well. Recovering from an Achilles injury, Fisher wasn’t able to flash enough as a pass blocker to secure the position of the franchise left tackle. This led to him leaving in free agency and the Colts looking elsewhere.

Indianapolis had two main plans for left tackle in the offseason. One was giving veteran reserve lineman, Matt Pryor, a chance as a starter, and the other plan was drafting the gifted Bernhard Raimann. Throughout camp, those two have been battling for the starting left tackle position.

However, it hasn’t been much of a battle. Pryor started camp as the starter and it has remained that way throughout. Raimann has been flashing talent, but it’s clear that he’s a rookie that needs to keep developing. He could really be a threat to replace Pryor during the season, or entering next year.

For now, Matt Pryor is the starter at left tackle and Frank Reich made that clear in a recent press conference, telling the media, “Matt has deserved and earned the spot he is in right now as the No. 1 left tackle.” However, some are still concerned about Pryor’s ability at the important position of left tackle.

Is Matt Pryor the right answer for Colts at left tackle?

In order for Reich to make this statement, it must be clear that Pryor is the best option for Indianapolis based on what he’s done in training camp so far. However, he’s had some uneven performances in the team’s two preseason games.

Against the Buffalo Bills and the Detroit Lions, fans noticed that Pryor lost his fair share of battles, but also had some redeeming moments as well. While everyone understands that unless you’re an elite tackle, you’re going to lose some reps here and there, the question is: is Pryor losing too many reps in the preseason to guys that aren’t even starting for other teams?

With left tackle being such a critical position for the quarterback and the passing game, it’s critical that Indy finds the right guy that is ready to step up at the position. If that is Pryor, he must urgently continue his development, and be ready to go once the regular season arrives.

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